1
|
DeBruin JH, Wilburn DB, Feldhoff RC, Staub NL. Presence of sodefrin precursor-like factor pheromone candidates in mental and dorsal tail base glands in the plethodontid salamander, Karsenia koreana. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0289296. [PMID: 37527281 PMCID: PMC10393140 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Plethodontid salamanders are well known for their distinct courtship rituals and the associated pheromonal signaling. However, little is known about pheromones produced in the lone Asian plethodontid species Karsenia koreana. Here, we examined the localization patterns of proteins of the sodefrin precursor-like factor (SPF) pheromone system in K. koreana. Using an antibody generated against SPF proteins from another plethodontid, Desmognathus ocoee, we tested three types of skin glands in K. koreana males via immunohistochemistry: the mental gland and two types of dorsal tail base glands-caudal courtship glands and dorsal granular glands. SPF immunoreactivity was detected in the known courtship gland, the mental gland, as well as granular glands, but not in caudal courtship glands. Due to immunoreaction specificity, we hypothesize the proteins of the SPF system in K. koreana and D. ocoee are structurally and functionally related and are used as courtship pheromones in K. koreana. Also, we hypothesize that K. koreana males transmit SPF to the female during the tail-straddling walk via dorsal granular glands. Finally, K. koreana male caudal courtship glands may be producing SPF proteins that are not recognized by our SPF antibody or these glands may play a different role in courtship than anticipated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jared H DeBruin
- Department of Biology, Gonzaga University, Spokane, Washington, United States of America
| | - Damien B Wilburn
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Richard C Feldhoff
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Nancy L Staub
- Department of Biology, Gonzaga University, Spokane, Washington, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Trame SD, Denova JR, Pereira KE, McClelland SJ, Gribbins KM, Rheubert JL, Siegel DS. External nasal gland morphology of Eurycea bislineata (Amphibia, Urodela, Plethodontidae). J Morphol 2022; 283:1094-1105. [PMID: 35719125 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.21490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Plethodontid salamanders possess numerous courtship glands. Previous studies have shown that the glands are more prominent in male individuals than females, and often experience periods of atrophy and hypertrophy throughout the year that correlate to the nonmating and mating seasons, respectively. We sampled male and female Eurycea bislineata throughout the year to test the hypothesis that external nasal glands are courtship glands. External nasal glands are paired, branched tubular glands that extend from excretory ducts dorsal to the nares to terminal secretory units posterior to the eyes. We found that the glands hypertrophy and stain/react more intensely with histochemical procedures during the mating season. Hypertrophy of the glands is more pronounced in males, and seasonal variation in epithelial height of external nasal glands of males is significantly correlated to that of seasonal variation in mental gland epithelial height, a known courtship gland found in males, when compared throughout the year. This correlation was not as strong in females, confirming sexual dimorphism of external nasal glands in terms of seasonal variation. We found no ultrastructural differences between male and female external nasal glands. In all specimens, the glandular tubules were lined by a simple, columnar epithelium that was packed with secretory granules that often obscured other cytoplasmic contents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha D Trame
- Department of Biology, Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, Missouri, USA
| | - Jacob R Denova
- Department of Biology, Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, Missouri, USA
| | - Kenzie E Pereira
- Department of Biological Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Sara J McClelland
- Department of Biological Sciences, Moravian University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kevin M Gribbins
- Department of Biology, University of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | | | - Dustin S Siegel
- Department of Biology, Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, Missouri, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
A Guide to Sexing Salamanders in Central Appalachia, United States. JOURNAL OF FISH AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT 2021. [DOI: 10.3996/jfwm-20-042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Documenting the sex of individuals encountered during wildlife research and monitoring activities is important for understanding and tracking changes in populations. However, sexing salamanders can be particularly difficult because secondary sex characters are often subtle or only visible during the breeding season, and guidance on species-specific sex determination is lacking from most field guides. The purpose of this guide is to provide a reference to assist biologists in the Central Appalachian region with identifying sex of live adult salamanders. In the main text we provide summary tables and figures to serve as concise references in the field. We provide individual species accounts that contain concise yet comprehensive information for each species based on the published literature, as well as many images depicting sexually dimorphic characters. Our focal region encompasses partial or entire distributions for 56 species of salamanders in 5 families (Ambystomidae, Cryptobranchidae, Plethodontidae, Proteidae, and Salamandridae). We identified seven morphological characters that are strongly sexually dimorphic and useful for sexing live, nonanesthetized, adult salamanders in the field, with males of individual species exhibiting one to five of the characters. We identified more than 20 additional characters that are weakly sexually dimorphic, difficult to distinguish in the field, or species-specific. Our guide serves as a synthesis of sexually dimorphic characters for salamanders in Central Appalachia, and we anticipate it will have broad value for researchers, monitoring programs, and salamander enthusiasts in eastern and central North America.
Collapse
|
4
|
Herrboldt MA, Steffen MA, McGouran CN, Bonett RM. Pheromone Gene Diversification and the Evolution of Courtship Glands in Plethodontid Salamanders. J Mol Evol 2021; 89:576-587. [PMID: 34392385 DOI: 10.1007/s00239-021-10026-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Proteinaceous pheromones that diversify through gene duplication can result in shifts in courtship cocktails that may serve as a mechanism for reproductive isolation. The molecular evolution of pheromones has been extensively studied in salamanders, but how these genes and associated novel courtship glands have codiversified has not been evaluated. In this study we used transcriptional analyses to examine the relationship between pheromone diversification and gland type in three divergent lineages of plethodontid salamanders. Our results revealed that plethodontid salamanders express up to eight divergent Sodefrin Precursor-like Factor genes (spf, representing both alpha and beta subfamilies) along with Plethodontid Modulating Factor (pmf) and Plethodontid Receptivity Factor (prf). Expression of pheromone genes is tissue specific with pmf, prf, and some spf genes restricted to the mental gland. In contrast, the caudal gland shows strong expression of the other spf genes. We found evidence for punctuated changes in pheromone cocktail composition related to the loss of metamorphosis, and subsequent extreme reduction of the mental gland, in a paedomorphic lineage. Our study provides insight into how pheromone diversification can be partitioned into unique glands, which may lead to cocktail specificity in behavioral modules during courtship.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Madison A Herrboldt
- Department of Biological Science, University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK, 74104, USA.
| | - Michael A Steffen
- Department of Biological Science, University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK, 74104, USA
| | - Carissa N McGouran
- Department of Biological Science, University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK, 74104, USA
| | - Ronald M Bonett
- Department of Biological Science, University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK, 74104, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Staub NL, Stiller AB, Kiemnec-Tyburczy KM. A New Perspective on Female-to-Male Communication in Salamander Courtship. Integr Comp Biol 2021; 60:722-731. [PMID: 32573720 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icaa087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Courtship behavior in salamanders is often complex and involves well-documented communication from males to females in multiple sensory modalities. Historically, behaviors exhibited during the major stages of courtship have been predominately framed as a male acting and signaling to "persuade" a passive female to participate in courtship and remain with him until sperm release is completed. In this review, we use courtship descriptions for lungless salamanders (Plethodontidae) as a case study to illustrate this historical bias of a male-centered perspective. We then re-examine the literature and summarize the many ways females are active participants during plethodontid courtships. We also relate female behaviors to the types of female-to-male communication that may occur. For example, females have been documented to approach a male and initiate courtship, participate in mutual head rubbing, and step astride the male's tail to begin the tail-straddling walk (a key courtship behavior observed in all plethodontids). Additionally, females have glands that may produce chemical signals that males respond to during courtship. We conclude that communication during courtship is more accurately described as a two-way interaction where each partner's behavior is coordinated with the other's via multi-modal signaling. Shifting the lens through which we view courtship and behavior provides insight into which female behaviors and anatomical features are most likely to be used for communication with males.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nancy L Staub
- Biology Department, Gonzaga University, Spokane, WA 99258, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wen F, Ljustina O, Vicknair W, Perrera B, Lamb JY. Reproductive Phenology and the Larval Period of the Western Dwarf Salamander (Eurycea paludicola) in Southeastern Louisiana. SOUTHEAST NAT 2021. [DOI: 10.1656/058.020.0104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Florence Wen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southeastern Louisiana University, 808 N. Pine Street Hammond, LA 70402
| | - Oliver Ljustina
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southeastern Louisiana University, 808 N. Pine Street Hammond, LA 70402
| | - Wren Vicknair
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southeastern Louisiana University, 808 N. Pine Street Hammond, LA 70402
| | - Brooke Perrera
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southeastern Louisiana University, 808 N. Pine Street Hammond, LA 70402
| | - Jennifer Y. Lamb
- Department of Biology, St. Cloud State University, 720 Fourth Avenue South, St. Cloud, MN 56301
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Woodley SK, Staub NL. Pheromonal communication in urodelan amphibians. Cell Tissue Res 2021; 383:327-345. [PMID: 33427952 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-020-03408-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Pheromonal communication is an ancient and pervasive sensory modality in urodelan amphibians. One family of salamander pheromones (the sodefrin precursor-like factor (SPF) family) originated 300 million years ago, at the origin of amphibians. Although salamanders are often thought of as relatively simple animals especially when compared to mammals, the pheromonal systems are varied and complex with nuanced effects on behavior. Here, we review the function and evolution of pheromonal signals involved in male-female reproductive interactions. After describing common themes of salamander pheromonal communication, we describe what is known about the rich diversity of pheromonal communication in each salamander family. Several pheromones have been described, ranging from simple, invariant molecules to complex, variable blends of pheromones. While some pheromones elicit overt behavioral responses, others have more nuanced effects. Pheromonal signals have diversified within salamander lineages and have experienced rapid evolution. Once receptors have been matched to pheromonal ligands, rapid advance can be made to better understand the olfactory detection and processing of salamander pheromones. In particular, a large number of salamander species deliver pheromones across the skin of females, perhaps reflecting a novel mode of pheromonal communication. At the end of our review, we list some of the many intriguing unanswered questions. We hope that this review will inspire a new generation of scientists to pursue work in this rewarding field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah K Woodley
- Department of Biological Sciences, Duquesne University, 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15282, USA.
| | - Nancy L Staub
- Biology Department, Gonzaga University, Spokane, WA, 99203, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Siegel DS, Long CL, Waltz JT, Wren SA, Pereira KE, McClelland SJ, Murray CM, Sever DM. Sexually Dimorphic Heads of Eurycea bislineata. COPEIA 2020. [DOI: 10.1643/ch2020014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dustin S. Siegel
- Department of Biology, Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, Missouri 63701; (DSS) ; (CLL) ; (JTW) ; and (SAW) . Send reprint requests to DSS
| | - Cody L. Long
- Department of Biology, Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, Missouri 63701; (DSS) ; (CLL) ; (JTW) ; and (SAW) . Send reprint requests to DSS
| | - J. Trent Waltz
- Department of Biology, Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, Missouri 63701; (DSS) ; (CLL) ; (JTW) ; and (SAW) . Send reprint requests to DSS
| | - Shelby A. Wren
- Department of Biology, Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, Missouri 63701; (DSS) ; (CLL) ; (JTW) ; and (SAW) . Send reprint requests to DSS
| | - Kenzie E. Pereira
- Department of Biological Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15282; (KEP) ; and (SJM)
| | - Sara J. McClelland
- Department of Biological Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15282; (KEP) ; and (SJM)
| | - Christopher M. Murray
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, Louisiana 70402; (CMM) ; and (DMS) deceased
| | - David M. Sever
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, Louisiana 70402; (CMM) ; and (DMS) deceased
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Wilburn DB, Feldhoff RC. An annual cycle of gene regulation in the red-legged salamander mental gland: from hypertrophy to expression of rapidly evolving pheromones. BMC DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2019; 19:10. [PMID: 31029098 PMCID: PMC6487043 DOI: 10.1186/s12861-019-0190-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Background Cell differentiation is mediated by synchronized waves of coordinated expression for hundreds to thousands of genes, and must be regulated to produce complex tissues and phenotypes. For many animal species, sexual selection has driven the development of elaborate male ornaments, requiring sex-specific differentiation pathways. One such male ornament is the pheromone-producing mental gland of the red-legged salamander (Plethodon shermani). Mental gland development follows an annual cycle of extreme hypertrophy, production of pheromones for the ~ 2 month mating season, and then complete resorption before repeating the process in the following year. At the peak of the mating season, the transcriptional and translational machinery of the mental gland are almost exclusively redirected to the synthesis of rapidly evolving pheromones. Of these pheromones, Plethodontid Modulating Factor (PMF) has experienced an unusual history: following gene duplication, the protein coding sequence diversified from positive sexual selection while the untranslated regions have been conserved by purifying selection. The molecular underpinnings that bridge the processes of gland hypertrophy, pheromone synthesis, and conservation of the untranslated regions remain to be determined. Results Using Illumina sequencing, we prepared a de novo transcriptome of the mental gland at six stages of development. Differential expression analysis and immunohistochemistry revealed that the mental gland initially adopts a highly proliferative, almost tumor-like phenotype, followed by a rapid increase in pheromone mRNA and protein. One likely player in this transition is Cold Inducible RNA Binding Protein (CIRBP), which selectively and cooperatively binds the highly conserved PMF 3′ UTR. CIRBP, along with other proteins associated with stress response, have seemingly been co-opted to aid in mental gland development by helping to regulate pheromone synthesis. Conclusions The P. shermani mental gland utilizes a complex system of transcriptional and post-transcriptional gene regulation to facilitate its hypertrophication and pheromone synthesis. The data support the evolutionary interplay of coding and noncoding segments in rapid gene evolution, and necessitate the study of co-evolution between pheromone gene products and their transcriptional/translational regulators. Additionally, the mental gland could be a powerful emerging model of regulated tissue proliferation and subsequent resorption within the dermis and share molecular links to skin cancer biology. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12861-019-0190-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Damien B Wilburn
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40292, USA. .,Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
| | - Richard C Feldhoff
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40292, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Pereira KE, Crother BI, Sever DM, Fontenot CL, Pojman JA, Wilburn DB, Woodley SK. Skin glands of an aquatic salamander vary in size and distribution and release antimicrobial secretions effective against chytrid fungal pathogens. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 221:jeb.183707. [PMID: 29880633 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.183707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Amphibian skin is unique among vertebrate classes, containing a large number of multicellular exocrine glands that vary among species and have diverse functions. The secretions of skin glands contain a rich array of bioactive compounds including antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Such compounds are important for amphibian innate immune responses and may protect some species from chytridiomycosis, a lethal skin disease caused by the fungal pathogens Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) and Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal). While the bioactivity of skin secretions against Bd has been assessed for many amphibian taxa, similar studies are lacking for Bsal, a chytrid fungus that is especially pathogenic for salamanders. We studied the skin glands and their potential functions in an aquatic salamander, the three-toed amphiuma (Amphiuma tridactylum). Skin secretions of captive adult salamanders were analyzed by RP-HPLC and tested against the growth of Bd and Bsal using in vitro assays. We found that compounds within collected skin secretions were similar between male and female salamanders and inhibited the growth of Bd and Bsal. Thus, skin secretions that protect against Bd may also provide protection against Bsal. Histological examination of the skin glands of preserved salamanders revealed the presence of enlarged granular glands concentrated within caudal body regions. A site of potential gland specialization was identified at the tail base and may indicate specialized granular glands related to courtship and communication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kenzie E Pereira
- Department of Biological Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, USA .,Department of Biology, Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, LA 70402, USA
| | - Brian I Crother
- Department of Biology, Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, LA 70402, USA
| | - David M Sever
- Department of Biology, Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, LA 70402, USA
| | - Clifford L Fontenot
- Department of Biology, Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, LA 70402, USA
| | - John A Pojman
- Department of Chemistry, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Damien B Wilburn
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Sarah K Woodley
- Department of Biological Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, USA
| |
Collapse
|